Sourdough Irish Apple Cake: A Cozy, Custard-Drizzled Delight

There’s something magical about the combination of tender cake, tart apples, and a rich, warm custard drizzle. Whether it’s a chilly evening, a festive St. Patrick’s Day gathering, or just a weekend indulgence, Sourdough Irish Apple Cake brings comfort, flavor, and a touch of rustic charm to any table. This cake isn’t just dessert—it’s a conversation starter, a nostalgic bite of home, and an opportunity to use your sourdough discard in a deliciously creative way.

Sourdough baking has gained tremendous popularity for its tangy flavor, texture, and versatility. While many think of sourdough purely for bread, this recipe proves it can transform sweet treats as well. The gentle tang from the sourdough balances the sweetness of apples and streusel, making each bite layered and satisfying.

This guide will walk you through every step—from ingredient selection to custard perfection—ensuring your Sourdough Irish Apple Cake turns out flawless every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Before diving into the baking process, let’s highlight why this recipe is so special:

• Tangy Meets Sweet: The sourdough discard adds a subtle tang that complements the natural sweetness of apples.
• Custard Perfection: A warm, creamy custard elevates the cake, making each serving feel decadent.
• Seasonal Charm: Perfect for autumn, St. Patrick’s Day, or anytime you crave a cozy dessert.
• Textural Delight: Tender cake, juicy apples, and crumbly streusel topping make every bite interesting.
• Easy to Customize: Options for spice levels, apple varieties, and dietary adjustments make it versatile.
• Use Your Sourdough Discard: A delicious way to reduce waste and showcase your starter’s flavor.

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe serves 8 and is divided into three main components: the cake, the streusel topping, and the custard sauce. Measurements are precise, ensuring consistency and success.

The Cake

• 1 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1⁄2 tsp ginger
• 1⁄2 tsp cardamom
• 1⁄2 tsp nutmeg
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 2 large eggs
• 8 tbsp melted butter
• 1 cup sourdough discard
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2–3 large apples

The Streusel Topping

• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 6 tbsp cold butter

The Custard Sauce

• 4 large egg yolks
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 tsp vanilla

Tools & Equipment Needed

To make this cake with ease, gather the following kitchen tools:

• Large mixing bowls (for dry and wet ingredients)
• Whisk and fork
• Sifter
• Vegetable peeler or paring knife
• 9″ springform pan (well-greased)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Pastry blender or fork (for streusel)
• Small saucepan (for custard)
• Spatula
• Gravy boat or jar (for custard serving)
• Toothpick (for checking cake doneness)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps carefully for a flawless cake:

1. Make the Batter

1. Sift together 1 1/2 cups flour, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ginger, 1/2 tsp cardamom, 1/2 tsp nutmeg, and 2 tsp baking powder in a large bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk 2 eggs, 8 tbsp melted butter, 1 cup sourdough discard, and 1/2 cup sugar.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until fully incorporated. The batter will be thick. Don’t worry—apples add moisture while baking.

2. Peel & Add Apples

1. Peel 2–3 large apples using a peeler or paring knife.
2. Cut each apple into fourths, remove the core, then cut each fourth in half lengthwise. Slice crosswise into 1/4 inch pieces for uniform cooking.
3. Fold the apple slices gently into the batter.

3. Make the Streusel

1. In a small bowl, stir together 1/2 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup flour, and 1/2 cup sugar.
2. Cut in 6 tbsp cold butter using a fork or pastry blender until the largest bits are pea-sized.
3. Toss thoroughly to ensure the butter is evenly coated.

4. Bake the Cake

1. Pour batter into a well-greased 9″ springform pan. Level the top and sprinkle streusel evenly.
2. Bake in a 350°F (180°C) oven for 60 minutes on the center rack.
3. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.

5. Make the Custard Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk 4 egg yolks, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 cup milk, and 1 tsp vanilla.
2. Pour into a small saucepan and heat over medium-low, stirring constantly.
3. Cook until thickened to a gravy-like consistency, about 6–10 minutes. Transfer to a gravy boat to prevent overcooking.

6. Serve

Slice your cake and drizzle with warm custard before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Spice Adjustments: Increase cinnamon for a warm spice kick or reduce cardamom for milder flavor.
• Apple Options: Granny Smith for tartness, Honeycrisp for sweetness, or a mix.
• Dietary Tweaks: Use plant-based milk and vegan butter for a dairy-free version. Gluten-free flour can replace all-purpose flour for gluten-free baking.
• Texture Variation: Swap half of the rolled oats in the streusel for chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

This cake balances:

• Sweetness: From apples and sugar
• Tang: From sourdough discard
• Spice: Cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and nutmeg
• Texture: Moist cake, crisp streusel, soft apples

Ideal sides include lightly whipped cream, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or seasonal fruit.

Nutritional Overview

Estimated per serving (8 servings total):

• Calories: 360
• Protein: 6g
• Carbs: 50g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 3g

Dietary notes: vegetarian-friendly, can be modified for dairy-free or gluten-free versions.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Cake batter can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated before baking.
• Streusel topping can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container.
• Custard can be made ahead but should be gently reheated before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different apple variety?
   Yes, tart or sweet apples work; adjust sugar slightly for sweeter varieties.
2. Why is my custard lumpy?
   This usually happens when eggs cook too fast. Low heat and constant stirring prevent curdling.
3. Can I make this without a springform pan?
   Yes, a standard 9″ round pan works; grease well and consider lining with parchment.
4. How long does the cake stay fresh?
   Stored covered at room temperature, 2–3 days; refrigerated 4–5 days.
5. Can I freeze the cake?
   Yes, freeze slices or the whole cake. Wrap in plastic wrap and foil; thaw overnight in the fridge.

Cooking Timeline (at a Glance)

Step	Time
Prep Batter	15 min
Peel & Slice Apples	10 min
Make Streusel	5 min
Bake Cake	60 min
Make Custard	10 min
Total	1 hr 30 min

Serving Suggestions

• Serve slices on a wooden board or elegant plate.
• Drizzle custard just before serving for a warm, inviting look.
• Garnish with a few extra apple slices or a light dusting of cinnamon.

Recipe Variations

1. Apple-Walnut Cake: Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts to the batter for crunch.
2. Caramel Apple Cake: Drizzle caramel over the streusel before baking.
3. Spiced Apple-Cranberry Cake: Fold 1/2 cup dried cranberries into the batter.
4. Mini Cakes: Bake in muffin tins for individual servings; adjust baking time to 20–25 minutes.

Ingredient Spotlight

Sourdough Discard

• Adds a subtle tang and moisture.
• Keep discard healthy and fed for best flavor.
• Can be stored in the fridge up to a week or frozen for longer.

Apples

• Choose firm, crisp varieties for texture.
• Store in a cool, dry place or refrigerator.
• Peel and slice evenly for uniform baking.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Always sift dry ingredients to avoid lumps.
• Toss apples in a bit of flour to prevent sinking.
• Keep butter cold for streusel to achieve a crisp texture.
• Constantly stir custard and scrape the bottom of the pan for smoothness.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Cake: Wrap tightly and store at room temperature 2–3 days. Refrigerate up to 5 days.
• Streusel: Store in airtight container, up to 2 days before baking.
• Custard: Keep in sealed container in fridge, reheat gently over low heat.
• Freezing: Wrap cake or slices in plastic wrap and foil; thaw in fridge overnight. Custard freezes poorly; make fresh when needed.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount	Notes
Calories	360
Protein	6g
Carbs	50g	Includes sugar and apple carbs
Fat	15g	From butter and egg yolks
Fiber	3g	From apples and oats
Dietary Notes	Vegetarian	Can be adapted for dairy-free, gluten-free

Expanded Conclusion

Sourdough Irish Apple Cake is more than a dessert—it’s a celebration of flavors, textures, and home baking traditions. The tender cake, warmly spiced apples, crisp streusel, and rich custard come together for a comforting, show-stopping treat. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a family dinner, or a quiet afternoon indulgence, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and embrace the joy of baking. Once you try this cake, it will quickly become a favorite for its unique tang, cozy flavors, and timeless charm. Share slices with friends, drizzle generously with custard, and savor every bite—you’ve earned it!

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